By Parker Jones
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), dead or dying ash trees are potential dangers to hunters. Falling from tree stands is the number one cause of serious injury in hunters.
"Infested or dead ash trees are not as structurally strong as healthy trees, so they are not a good place to put a deer stand," DNR forest health specialist Bill McNee said. "At this time of year, it can be hard to tell if a tree is infested by the emerald ash borer. As a precaution, put your stand in another type of tree that will be structurally stronger."
Hunters can play a role in slowing the spread of the emerald ash borer. "If you're planning to have a fire at your hunting area get your firewood nearby. Wood you bring with you from a longer distance may already be infested with the ash borer, oak wilt or other harmful pests and raises the risk of spreading an infestation to healthy trees," said Andrea Diss-Torrance, DNR Invasive Forest Pest Program coordinator.
For information about known emerald ash borer infestations, moving firewood and identifying ash trees, visit datcpservices.wisconsin.gov/eab/index.jsp.
To review tree stand safety tips, search the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, for treestand.